Speeding Through School Zones

 Posted on November 30, 2015 in Traffic Violation

School zones pose specific dangers for drivers on the road. No matter what state, driving through a school zone will require the driver to slow down considerably when school is in session, and also require the driver to be aware of and adhere to other driving laws as well. School zones were established in an effort to make the area surrounding the school safer for children walking around the premises. In many instances, school zone laws may seem archaic, as very rarely do children walk to school anymore—though the laws regarding school zones are very much still in effect.

Illinois Laws on Speeding

In Illinois, the law requires that all drivers slow down to 20 miles per hour when driving through a school zone. This stipulation is in effect from 7am until 4pm, when school is in session, though Illinois allows that drivers do not have to slow all the way down to 20 mph if all the children are inside the building for classes.

That is, when approaching a school zone during school hours, if you do not see a child in the surrounding area, according to Illinois state law you do not have to slow down. If, however, a child is outside of the building (even if you do not see him), you are required to slow down. If you fail to do so, you face a hefty traffic fine.

Slowing down to the required speed limit of 20 mph is not the only traffic law regarding school zones. Passing is forbidden in a school zone, and all crosswalks must be stringently obeyed—meaning that pedestrians, children and adults, always have the right-of-way. Drinking and driving through a school zone can have even harsher punishments.

In 2007, in response to the death of a transportation worker in a construction zone caused by a reckless drunk driver, Jeff’s Law went into effect in Illinois. This bill makes it possible for a judge and jury to charge a person driving drunk or at excessive speeds through a work or school zone with reckless driving, a charge that faces heavy fines and possible jail time.

Contact a Speeding Ticket Lawyer 

If you or someone you know has been accused of a traffic violation in a school zone, the most important step is to seek legal counsel. Do not go through it alone. Contact a qualified Wheaton, IL traffic violations attorney today. Attorney Stephen A. Brundage can help you with your case.

Sources:

http://illinois.drivinguniversity.com/driving-safety/illinois-school-zones/ http://www3.illinois.gov/pressreleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=6179